THE Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has urged the Attorney General to immediately cease applying for a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) in corruption cases involving politicians.

“We reject the DNAA for any politician, regardless of party affiliation, facing charges of corruption and criminal breach of trust.

“We urge those facing corruption charges to defend themselves and undergo fair trials in court, rather than having their charges dropped through the ‘granting’ of DNAA,” the civil society organisation said.

The electoral group’s statement comes amid a groundswell following the AG’s recent statement that jailed former prime minister Najib Razak could apply for full acquittal or DNAA in September if prosecutors are unable to decide on his representation to drop the RM27 million SRC International money laundering charges against him.

Bersih expressed concern that continuing this practice could erode people’s trust in law enforcement institutions, especially the AG’s Chambers.

The organisation also criticised the AG for his statement on January 15, where he mentioned that the public prosecutor does not need to explain when applying to withdraw charges.

Bersih deemed this stance completely unacceptable, especially when the case involves public interest and implicates politicians at the highest level of administration.

Bersih then called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to announce the implementation timeline for the federal government’s task force proposal to separate the offices of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor.

The organisation expressed its intent to remind the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government of the “reformasi” promises and principles they advocated before assuming power.

“The rakyat are watching and if the DNAA continues to be granted for corruption cases involving politicians, the people’s trust in our public institution will be eroded.

“Do not take the people for granted,” it warned. – January 20, 2024.